Working towards our vision of a greener and more efficient future, we've formed a partnership with the Thames Estuary Growth Board and Thames Freeport to shift freight transport from busy roads to the River Thames.
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Wednesday 7 August 2024

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Tackling traffic and pollution

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Working towards our vision of a greener and more efficient future, we've formed a partnership with the Thames Estuary Growth Board and Thames Freeport to shift freight transport from busy roads to the River Thames. 

 

With potential to transport over 20 million parcels annually via the river, this initiative aims to reduce congestion and pollution in London while boosting the local economy and supporting the capital's Net Zero ambitions. 

 

Leveraging the Thames as a natural path for light freight, this collaborative project will create a scalable and commercially viable river freight network, supporting sustainable last-mile delivery solutions. 

 

Our Chief Executive Robin Mortimer said: "As the UK's busiest inland waterway, the Thames already connects London and the South East with global trade routes but there is great potential to do more.  

 

“This partnership will champion opportunities to decarbonise logistics, making the river an even more vital part of the supply chain and moving vans and lorries off our roads." 

 

This agreement represents a commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and a greener future for London and the Thames Estuary. 

 

➡️ Find out more

PLA Annual Report 2023

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Our latest annual report detailing our performance in 2023 is now available on our website.

 

➡️ Read now

Funding Natural Thames 

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Our Thames Environment Fund 2024 is open for applications. Over the past three years, we've funded 14 amazing projects, thanks to the Thames Environment Fund. These initiatives have made a significant difference, from transitioning boat clubs to electric motors to researching innovative ways to remove microplastics. 

 

Does your organisation have a project idea that could: 

  • Improve water quality? 
  • Enhance biodiversity? 
  • Reduce carbon emissions? 
  • Improve air quality along the tidal Thames? 

The Thames Environment Fund is a key part of our Thames Vision 2050, aiming to make the river the cleanest it's been since the Industrial Revolution. We're committed to working with local communities, researchers, and NGOs (non-government organisations) to achieve this ambitious goal.

 

If you're ready to help us create a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant Thames, we encourage you to apply for a grant of up to £15K. 

 

Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact! Applications close 30 August 2024.

 

➡️ Apply now on our website

Thames Lens retrospective 

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Thames Festival Trust’s annual Thames Lens photography competition, sponsored by the PLA, provides an amazing opportunity for non-professional photographers to interpret the vibrant and multifaceted character of the River Thames in London. This outdoor retrospective exhibition will showcase the images from winners and short listers from the last 19 years of the competition. 

 

When: 1-30 September 

Where: Front of the Church of St Magnus the Martyr, Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DN 

 

Feeling inspired? Bring your camera along to capture images of the Thames. It's ready for its closeup. 

 

➡️ Find out more

Supporting Re-Instate

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We're proud to support Re-Instate, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged people in the London Borough of Bexley.  

 

With funding from the Active Thames partnership and a boost from Tideway, Re-Instate has established several weekly walking groups along the Thames Path, catering to individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental ill-health. These walks not only promote physical activity and improve overall health but also provide a valuable educational experience, connecting participants with the rich natural and historical significance of the Thames. 

 

Our Thames Vision and Partnerships’ Lead, Chris Sawyer, recently joined one of Re-Instate's "Walkie Talkies" groups and was impressed by the positive impact these walks have on participants' confidence, social engagement, and overall well-being.  

 

"It was great to hear directly from the participants, one of whom told me how much they loved the quiet and scenic routes along the path and mentioned that the walks have become a particularly favourite activity, which they now also enjoy with their family", Chris said. 

 

In addition to the walking groups, Re-Instate offers comprehensive support around employment, mental health, and a range of other sports and physical activities. This holistic approach has proven instrumental in empowering participants to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.  

 

➡️ Find out more 

 

ICYMI: Sustainable Port of London

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PLA’s Director of Marine Operations, Steven Clapperton, and Director of Sustainability, Grace Rawnsley, have been featured across eight pages in Nautical Digital Online. The article explores key initiatives such as the Marine Centre Transformation Programme, workforce development and the PLA’s efforts to decarbonise operations and promote environmental stewardship. 

 

Find out how the PLA is “navigating the complex waters of modern maritime challenges and driving forward a sustainable future for the Thames”. 

A royal invitation 

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Local historian, Christoph Bull, and the Port of London Authority will be hosting a special evening, called "Vicky, Fritz & The Royal Terrace Pier" on Wednesday 11 September at 6.30pm. Christoph will talk about Gravesend and Europe in the 1860s at the PLA’s newly renovated Royal Terrace Pier, Gravesend.  

 

Location: London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2BG

When: 6:30pm, Wednesday 11 Sep 2024  

Cost: Free-but donations welcome 

Tickets: Registration required. Book now.

Send us any updates you'd like us to include.

Email us at tidalthamesnews@pla.co.uk

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Port of London Authority, London River House, Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, Kent DA12 2BG, UK

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